There are a number of problems with old audio cassette tapes.You have to split the tape back together if it breaks.If you want to make a new wheel hub from a blank cassette tape, you have to untangle the tape from one of the hubs.You can get the job done with a few simple tools and a delicate touch.
Step 1: Use a small screwdriver to remove the cassette case.
The screws in the two top corners of the cassette tape can be removed with a tinyPhillips-head screwdriver.You should put the screws aside in a small dish or cup.The type of cassette that is glued together is the one that you don't see any screws for.Issues that you will need to take a cassette tape apart to fix include a ripped or broken tape and a tape that has come off one of the wheel hubs.
Step 2: Use a flathead screwdriver to pry the cassette apart.
The front and back pieces of the case should be put into the crack with the flathead screwdriver.To break the two halves apart, work it back and forth in a lever motion.If you can't pry the cassette case apart with your hands, you have to use the screwdriver on the other side.
Step 3: If you open the cassette tape vertically, the spools won't fall out.
Before you open it, place the tape on a flat surface.If you want to leave the bottom half flat on your work surface, pull the top half off.If you accidentally drop the wheel hubs out, you will cause more damage to the tape.
Step 4: Cut the ends of the broken tape with scissors.
The cassette tape should be put on the cutting board with the insides facing up.Don't remove the tape from the wheel hubs.If you want to remove the damaged parts of the tape, trim it as little as possible.You can tape the two pieces together.If you don't have a pair of small, sharp scissors, you can cut the ends off with a box cutter or utility knife.Depending on the amount of tape you have to cut, there could be a noticeable skip in the audio of the tape.
Step 5: Place the broken tape on the cutting board.
Carefully tape the broken tape to the cutting board after you Straighten out one of the sides.You should leave the end exposed.It is easier to work with when the broken end of the tape is completely flat and not curling.
Step 6: Cut the two sides of the tape together.
Take the end of the side you just taped down and line it up with the broken tape.Place a piece of tape over them.The pieces will be held down on the board by the tape.
Step 7: Remove the tape from the cassette and put it on the cutting board.
To peel the tape up from the cutting board, use your fingernails and be careful not to cut the two halves of the cassette that you just stuck together.You can split the tape by flipping it over.The side of the tape that has no cellophane tape on it should now be facing upwards towards you.
Step 8: There is a piece of tape on the other side of the tape.
Make sure the ends of the broken tape are still lined up.Carefully stick a new piece of tape over the exposed sides of the cassette's tape to finish the job.The chances of the broken tape coming undone in the future should be limited by this.
Step 9: The excess tape can be trimmed using a box cutter or utility knife.
Place the tape against the board.Carefully trim the excess tape that is hanging off the sides of the tape.The cassette tape can be put back together.
Step 10: To open a blank cassette tape, buy a new one.
The cassette is held together by screws.If you want to fix it, take it apart and use aPhillips screwdriver.If you have a cassette tape that comes off one of the hubs, it's very difficult to get it back.If you want to attach the old tape to the new hub more easily, you can use a new wheel tape from a blank cassette that already has tape attached to it.
Step 11: The new cassette's tape should be cut from the end.
The leader tape is the plastic end of the tape that secures the magnetic tape to the wheel hub.The leader tape should be cut from the end of the tape using small, sharp scissors.This will allow you to attach the new wheel hub to the clean-cut piece of tape, so that you can use your old cassette again.
Step 12: The wheel hubs need to be removed from the cassette.
Throw the empty wheel hub away.Put the wheel hub that has the tape around it in front of you.It is a good idea to do this on a cutting board in front of you.
Step 13: Take the tape from the old hub to the new hub.
The end of the tape from your old cassette should be lined up with the new blank tape.Carefully tape them together.For complete instructions on how to cut cassette tape together, see the above method.
Step 14: The wheel hub should be in the cassette case.
Carefully place the wheel hubs back into the cassette so that the holes in the middles of the hubs line up.To wind the wheel hubs, use a pencil and make sure the tape is not loose.The cassette tape can now be reassembled.
Step 15: The rollers and pressure pad are at the top of the cassette case.
Make sure the tape is straight and flat at the top.The rollers are located in the top corners.The pressure pad is in the center of the cassette.
Step 16: If it has screws, screw the cassette case together.
Attach the screws back to the corners of the cassette case by snapping the two halves together.To tighten them, use a small screwdriver.
Step 17: If the cassette case does not have screws, glue it together.
Put a small dot of glue in each corner of the cassette case.Hold the two halves of the case together for 30 seconds.If you have to take it apart again in the future, you should not glue all the way around the cassette tape.